Linden Arrowwood , know botanically as Viburnum dilatatum , belong to the Adoxaceae mob , a group of flowering plants that includes other viburnums , elderberries , and a handful of lesser - know shrubs . Previously classified under Caprifoliaceae ( the Aquilegia canadensis family ) , it was shake up into Adoxaceae based on modernistic genetic and morphological subject , reflecting its close affinity with plants like Sambucus . Within the genus Viburnum , which comprehend over 150 species of shrubs and little trees , V. dilatatum stand out as a deciduous , fruit - have appendage aboriginal to East Asia . Its specific epithet , dilatatum , stand for “ circularise out ” or “ expanded ” in Latin , nod to its broad leaves or perhaps its sprawling growth drug abuse . As part of the fiat Dipsacales , it portion out evolutionary ties with teasels and valerian , though its hard-nosed classification highlights its ornamental and bionomic role rather than remote taxonomic cousins . This placement emphasize its identity as a woody , temperate - zone plant with a knack for flamboyant flowers and tenacious berries .

This shrub grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide , forming a rounded , multi - stemmed structure with pubescent , brownish stems that maturate to a dark gray . Its leaves are round-eyed , diametric , and broadly speaking ovate to obovate , measuring 2 to 5 inches long with coarsely toothed margin and a more or less fuzzy texture . In late natural spring to early summer , it produces flavourless clump of creamy blanched blossom , about 3 to 5 inches across , which give way to vibrant red drupe by drop . These Berry , rough a third of an inch in diam , persist into winter , adding seasonal interestingness . The foliage shifts from dark green in summertime to dark glasses of bronze , burgundy , or reddish - purple in fall , progress to it a multi - season performing artist .

Historically , Linden Arrowwood hails from East Asia , where it has long been appreciated for its decorative caliber . aboriginal to Japan , China , and Korea , it was introduced to the United States in the early 1800s as a garden plant , jimmy for its adaptability and attractive features . Its name pull out from the resemblance of its leaf to those of the linden tree ( Tilia spp . ) , though the two are unrelated . ab initio celebrate in gardening , its tendency to circularise beyond culture has since raised concerns . In its native range , it thrives in lowlands , open forests , and scrubby arena , but in North America , it has escaped gardens , specially in the mid - Atlantic and Northeast , where it ’s now considered encroaching in states like Pennsylvania , New Jersey , and Maryland .

The native area of Viburnum dilatatum bridge easterly Asia , with a strong comportment in its countries of origin . Beyond its homeland , it has been widely distributed through the horticultural deal , finding its style into gardens across temperate regions . In the U.S. , its spread is most far-famed from New York to Virginia , though its likely range stretches further due to its cold hardiness . Birds , puff to its abundant berries , toy a central role in dispersing seeds , avail it show in forests and disturb habitat . While not yet pervasive nationally , its aggressive ontogeny and long - lived seed banking concern ( up to 10 eld ) make it a plant to watch , specially where it outcompetes aboriginal species .

Linden Arrowwood thrives in USDA zone 5 to 8 , support a reach of conditions from full sun to partial nicety and preferring moist , well - debilitate , slightly acidic to achromatic grime . It ’s hardy down to about -20 ° fluorine , do it various for many temperate climates . While it can handle some drought once established , it surpass with consistent moisture and is adaptable to urban setting , though its invasive tendencies guarantee caution in regions where it ’s not native .

In landscaping , Viburnum dilatatum shines as an ornamental , historically used for its floral display , persistent yield , and fall people of color . It solve well as a specimen flora , in mixed edge , or as a hedgerow , append height and texture . The berry attract birds , enhancing wildlife gardens , while its dim increase offers informal screening . However , its suckering wont and potential drop to form coppice intend it ’s best avoided in areas prioritize native ecosystem . Where invasiveness is n’t a concern , it ’s a low - maintenance pick for seasonal interest — just found multiple shrubs for right fruit solidifying , as it benefits from cross - pollination . For eco - conscious gardener , aboriginal option might be a impertinent pick .

identify Linden Arrowwood is straightforward with a few cardinal traits . attend for its large , ribbed , oval leaves with shallowly toothed edges , often gently hairy on both sides . The creamy white flower clusters bloom in May to June , postdate by burnished reddened Berry that stand out against the foliage in fall . Unlike its native American first cousin Viburnum dentatum ( Arrowwood Viburnum ) , which has rounder , more deeply toothed leaves and blue - black fruit , V. dilatatum sport a distinct reddened drupe and a fuzzier leafage texture . Its winter buds , covered with four visible scales , also define it apart from like species . In evenfall , the colourful leaf transformation seal the deal for recognition .

Linden Arrowwood (Viburnum dilatatum): Cultivation

mood Compatibility

Linden Arrowwood thrives in USDA Zones 5 to 8 , handling winters down to -20 ° F ( -29 ° C ) . It ’s well - suit to temperate regions but battle in uttermost rut or humidness beyond Zone 8 .

sunshine Needs

Plant it in full Sunday to partial shade — full sunlight maximizes blooms and fruit , but it endure some afternoon shade , especially in hotter climates .

Soil Preferences

It prefers damp , well - drain soils with a somewhat acidic to neutral pH ( 5.5–7.0 ) . While adaptable to loamy or sandlike type , it wo n’t tolerate leaden , waterlogged clay .

Watering Requirements

Keep soil consistently moist during its first year to establish roots . Once decide , it ’s moderately drouth - patient of but perform best with episodic deep watering during dry spells .

Planting Time

leaping or early fall is ideal for planting , giving roots time to take root before summer heat or wintertime hoarfrost . invalidate mid - summer planting to trim stress .

Spacing

blank space shrub 6 to 10 human foot aside , depending on use — closer for hedge , wider for standalone specimens — since it can circularize as wide as it grows tall .

Pollination Boost

For good fruit yield , plant at least two shrubs ( different cultivars if potential ) within 50 feet of each other . It ’s self - fertile but cross - pollination ups the Charles Edward Berry yield .

fecundation

employ a balanced , slow - button fertilizer ( like 10 - 10 - 10 ) in other springiness before novel growth starts . forfend overfeeding , as it can push leaf over flowers and yield .

Pruning practice

Prune in former winter or other outpouring to murder dead woodwind and shape it . It suckers naturally , so slender out crowded staunch to maintain air flow and soma .

mulch

tot a 2- to 3 - inch layer of organic mulch ( like barque or compost ) around the home to retain moisture , regulate soil temperature , and deter locoweed . Keep it away from the stems to prevent rot .

Pest and Disease Control

Watch for viburnum foliage beetles , which chew foliage , and cover with insecticidal goop if take . It ’s moderately disease - immune but can get powdery mould in humid , badly ventilated spots — space plants well to avoid this .

Propagation

disperse via softwood cuttings in summer or by layering suckers in saltation . Seeds work too but want stratification ( cold treatment ) and can take year to germinate dependably .

Invasive Caution

In areas like the U.S. Northeast and mid - Atlantic , monitor its spread head — it ’s invasive there . Remove suckers and spent Chuck Berry to limit seed dissemination , or opt for native alternatives if ecologic wallop is a vexation .